Appetize POS Reviews
Appetize is one of the best modern point-of-sale systems on the market today, transforming the way that businesses are able to manage their operations and process transactions.
However, with so many excellent omnichannel POS system solutions out there, it can be hard to determine if Appetize software is the right choice for your needs.
Luckily for you, we've done all of the necessary research to help you make a more confident decision.
Continue reading to discover whether or not this is the solution for you.
Appetize POS System Cost
Many POS providers allow for customers to try out their POS systems for a limited time, so they can determine whether or not they have what fits their needs. Beyond that, most POS providers also have specific pricing information online to give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay.
Appetize does not have a trial version or a free version, and you also won't find any specific pricing information on the company's website. Appetize solely uses a quote-based pricing system. Pricing is determined by the needs of each individual business.
No time to call around multiple POS companies for quotes? Let us do it for you! Simply fill out the questionnaire below and you will get price quotes on the ideal POS system for your restaurant business. And the best part - our service is completely free!
Features and Benefits
Appetize is a great POS system, supplying everything you need right off the bat. Most cost-effective solutions and similar POS systems that go for a less initial investment only provide you with the most basic features you'd need to run a small or mid-sized business.
However, Appetize has a robust and user-friendly system that allows you to simplify the most complicated operations.
Let's take a look at some of the main features and benefits you can expect from this quality POS system.
Wide Range of Hardware
Appetize software runs on a number of different types of hardware. While you can run the traditional and mobile software on iOS or Android hardware devices, we highly recommend looking at some of the proprietary hardware components that the company offers.
The hardware configurations that they offer are dynamic and work well with several different business types. From fixed POS stations to mobile solutions to handheld structure factor devices, you'll be able find the perfect hardware configuration for your needs.
We also love the look of the customer-facing displays, which are sleek and modern, giving your operation an aesthetic advantage.
You'll find an assortment of peripheral devices that can be used with Appetize hardware, including barcode scanners, customer-facing displays, and printers. If you don't have the initial cash to pay for your hardware upfront, you can take advantage of one of their industry-leading payment plans.
The hardware that they sell is hard-wearing, reliable and will last for many years without unexpected issues.
Comprehensive Connect Platform
The Connect platform that comes with Appetize is a straightforward business management platform for inventory management, staff management, and so much more.
Both real-time menu capability and accurate ingredient-level inventory management are included. You can customize this platform with all of the tools you need. Plus, since the system is cloud-based, you'll have control over every aspect of your business operations both remotely and on-site.
The real-time reporting and analytics tools provide a far more efficient and proactive method of managing your business. With a Live Inventory functionality, you can get accurate stock levels at any time.
You can tailor the inventory management tools to fit the needs of your business as well. With options to manage recipes, ingredients, and SKUs, the capabilities are incredibly versatile.
To help you audit revenue and combat losses, the system is equipped with a cash room management solution. You can configure different prices for the same item based on a number of parameters, such as location, season, or event type.
Lastly, Appetize's employee management system makes managing your staff an absolute piece of cake. You can preconfigure the permissions for your employees based on their roles or responsibilities, and of course, this POS system also incorporates traditional clock-in and clock-out functionality.
Real-Time Reporting and Analytics
It's crucial to be able to make well-informed business decisions at the drop of a dime when you need. To do that, correct data is a necessity. Luckily, the Appetize POS system features a highly comprehensive set of reporting and analytics tools, preventing business owners from making decisions based off of incorrect data.
The reporting and analytics tools allow you to view real-time sales reports, stock levels, and popular menu items, no matter where you are. This POS system also delivers push updates to each terminal so that important information is communicated to your employees. This comes in ultra handy when items are sold out.
Those who use third-party reporting tools will be happy to know that reports from those tools can be imported in any format.
Streamlined Communication
The Appetize POS system was specifically designed to streamline communications between FOH and BOH. With this level of synchronicity, you can reduce errors, increase the speed of customer service, and improve efficiency in the kitchen.
The kitchen will thank you too, as it simplifies their operations with real-time updates.
The kitchen display system that comes with Appetize features a beautiful catalog of menu items with descriptions and images. You can also hook up as many of these KDS screens in your business as you need, allowing for enhanced flexibility.
The order routing capabilities are robust as well, allowing you to route different menu items to different stations, all based on the layout of your kitchen.
Orders placed by front-of-house staff can quickly sync to your Appetize kitchen display system, integrating beautifully with all of your hardware solutions, whether you're using handheld solutions, a mobile app, or a kiosk.
Quality Mobile Ordering Solution
We are surprised about how powerful the mobile ordering solution from Appetize is. It's an excellent addition to just about any service-based business. Your customers will easily be able to order food, beverages, and any other retail items that they might need for pickup or delivery.
The platform was specifically designed for intuitive use, enhanced customer satisfaction, and shorter wait times. You'll find a slew of innovative tools in this system to get yourself started.
Another benefit is that this system gives you the ability to assign menu items based on the location of your guests. Through the Appetize API, this mobile ordering solution can be integrated with your current location.
Great for an Array of Businesses
If you run a multi-channel business, you'll be pleased to know that Appetize offers a variety of software options. There are industry-specific solutions, great for those who need something tailored beyond the typical restaurant solution.
For example, if you run a professional service company, you can take advantage of Appetize's healthcare solutions, business dining solutions, or convention center solutions.
If you run an attraction business, you probably know that it can be difficult to manage and streamline operations.
There are tons of capabilities integrated into Appetize's point-of-sale solution, including food, beverage, and merchandising solutions.
Lastly, you'll also find that Appetize is great for sports and entertainment properties. In fact, since its inception, Appetize has become one of the biggest and most popular solutions for clubs, theaters, and large stadiums.
From concessions to hawker tools to merchandise capabilities, it's an excellent solution for sports and entertainment enterprises.
Beyond restaurant business-adjacent operations, this system works excellently for restaurants that have retail attached.
Regardless of the type of merchandise that you offer in your retail shop, you can take advantage of the many POS beneficial retail capabilities within this POS system. For example, you'll find a wide range of SKU management capabilities and barcode scanning.
Extended Payment Processing
Appetize has a great POS system that accepts all forms of payment, including cash, credit, RFID, NFC, and EMV. You can even integrate custom tenders if you need. For a bit of additional flexibility, member benefits, loyalty, and value programs can be integrated into this POS software.
Swiftly accepting multiple forms of payment significantly speeds up the transaction process, making for far more business efficiency.
Excellent Customer Support Team
Beyond the excellent selection of capabilities that Appetize offers, their customer support team is top-notch. You'll find two main support team channels, including online and phone support.
Complaints and Limitations
Expensive
Though the Appetize POS system pricing is quote-based, users have revealed that costs can end up being more than $2,000 per year per device. This could end up being be a bit too pricy for the small and mid-sized business when other lower priced options are available.
Limitations on Less Expensive Hardware
Although Appetize runs on a wide range of hardware platforms, customers often buy the cheapest hardware they can find to run the system on. This would be a mistake, as Appetize's software requires much stronger hardware, especially to run at full capacity.
Non-Specific Reporting Needs
Some businesses have very specific reporting needs, and if that sounds like your business, you might struggle with the reporting and analytics within this platform. One complaint has been that the back-end reporting is not as custom as it needs to be.
It has also been noted that Appetize's reports can be slightly inconsistent and inaccurate. While you can certainly get on the phone with customer support to fix the issue, it may take some time - a definite drawback for those who don't have much time on their hands.
TouchBistro is one of the best POS system solutions for those looking for a myriad of capabilities and customization options.
Similar to Appetize, all that's needed to get started is an iPad!
The system comes with a quality inventory management system and a very comprehensive customer support staff.
The company was founded back in 2010 and has since become known as one of the most popular restaurant POS software options around.
This restaurant POS software starts at $69 per month and includes cloud-based reporting and analytics, integrated payment processing, menu management, table management, staff management, and more.
TouchBistro has a wide range of hardware options, including customer-facing displays, kitchen display systems, digital menu boards, and self-serve kiosks. It also integrates with a wide range of popular third-party integrations, such as 7Shifts, Sage, and QuickBooks.
Square
If you run a smaller establishment and you're looking for a free solution (not including payment processing) to get you started, then we highly recommend checking out Square for Restaurants.
Square has integrated payment processing and can be used on several devices, making it one of the best "free" options around.
With the free Square plan, you get order management, menu management, and auto gratuity.
However, if you want to get live reporting and other more advanced tools, then you'll end up paying around $60 per month.
Some of the additional services you can opt for with Square include loyalty programs and payroll services.
Similar to TouchBistro and Appetize, Square also comes with third-party integration capabilities, including Chowly, Xero, QuickBooks, and 7Shifts.
To get started, all you need is an iPhone or iPad along with the company's magstripe reader.
Final Verdict
Appetize is one of the best POS System solution options for enterprise businesses. With unlimited SKU capabilities, smart merchandising, and inventory management, it's a dependable and feature-rich POS system that works wonders.
If you run a small or mid-sized business and require more than the basic restaurant functions of your standard POS system, then we highly recommend the Appetize point-of-sale solution.
We understand that getting quotes from different providers can be incredibly time-consuming. Our service provides FREE quotes from multiple POS providers based on your needs and budget.
Answer the few quick questions below to let us know what you're looking for!
Tyler Connaghan
Contributing Author
